It is not uncommon for Windows users to find the taskbar acting abnormally for no apparent reason.
None of the fixes will work if you have resized the taskbar below the screen.
If it does, simply resize it upward.
Fortunately, you’re free to reach the Control Panel via the Run command window.
PressWin + R, typeControl Panel(with a space between Control and Panel), then clickOK.
From the control panel, click onTaskbar and Navigation.
You will be taken to the Personalization prefs in the Windows prefs app.
Turn off the toggle forAutomatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
Verify that your taskbar is back to normal.
If not, continue with the other fixes.
Restart the Taskbar Services
The Explorer.exe process is the backbone of your taskbar’s functionality.
If this process crashes or is disabled, the taskbar either freezes or disappears instantly.
Additionally, because Explorer.exe also handles your desktop icons, those will vanish too.
Note:File Explorer is sometimes called Windows Explorer.
Both are the same.
To do this, pressWin + Rto kick off the Windows Run command.
Scroll down and peek if the File or Windows Explorer process is running.
Right-press it and clickRestartto start your Windows Explorer process if it is already running.
See if this solved the problem.
Still, if there is no sign of a taskbar, continue with the rest of the fixes.
If clearing the Startup list does not fix the problem, continue with the remaining fixes.
Try a Different User Account or Create a New One
Sometimes, hidden processes caused Windows programs to malfunction.
Nevertheless, such interruptions are limited to one account with no access to others.
Try logging into your gear with a different account to determine whether the taskbar is working.
Afterward, access to the new account, and the taskbar should work as usual.
However, this feature only works if you have previously set up a restore point in the past.
Does the problem persist?
Even if that doesn’t work, reinstall Windows.
Does your taskbar often get cluttered with apps after a few days?
Consider using apps like Hide Window Hotkey, MinimizeToTray, and RBTray to clean it up.
